Senior Quality Engineer

Overview

Position Title: Senior Quality Engineer 

Industry: Defense

Location: Joplin, MO - possible travel within the Tri-State area 

Frequency: as needed based on customer/supplier requirements

Employment Type: VTR W2 Field Employee 

Coverage & Location Expectations

• Primary support will be onsite in Joplin, MO directly embedded within supplier operations
• This role is intended to provide consistent, hands-on support at a primary supplier location, with flexibility to support additional sites as needed
• Candidates should be locally based or within reasonable proximity to support same-day or next-day response for urgent program needs
• Regional coverage may be required on an as-needed basis to support surge activity, priority requests, or program demands
• Ability to support full-time onsite at a single supplier or flex across multiple suppliers depending on workload and priorities

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and self-directed Senior Quality Engineer to support quality assurance activities within a highly regulated defense manufacturing environment. This role requires a seasoned professional with demonstrated experience in source inspection, First Article Inspection (AS9102), process and Quality Management System (QMS) audits, as well as expediting and shipping/receiving operations.

The primary focus of this position will be supporting operations within a process-driven manufacturing environment involving advanced battery systems, energetics, electronics, and complex assemblies, where performance-based acceptance criteria and strict traceability requirements are critical.As such, candidates should bring a well-rounded, multi-commodity background or demonstrate the ability to quickly adapt across varied manufacturing environments.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in aerospace/defense quality engineering, with the ability to operate independently onsite while effectively collaborating with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform source inspections at supplier facilities to verify product conformity to engineering, contractual, and regulatory requirements
• Review and validate First Article Inspection (FAI) packages in accordance with AS9102 Rev C requirements using NetInspect online platform
• Collaborate in real time with supplier staff to resolve defects in documentation or physical product to ensure timely delivery of product
• Conduct process audits to ensure compliance with internal procedures and industry standards (e.g., AS9100, special process)
• Support expediting activities, including tracking and reporting supplier performance, delivery status, and risk mitigation
• Oversee and support shipping and receiving inspections, ensuring proper documentation, traceability, and product integrity
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and purchase order requirements to ensure accurate inspection and compliance
• Identify nonconformances, document findings, and support corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes
• Collaborate with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders to resolve quality issues and drive continuous improvement
• Maintain accurate records in web-based databases and ERP systems

Commodity & Capability Experience (Preferred – Not Limiting)

Experience may include, but is not limited to:

• Complex machining and fabricated components
• Circuit card assemblies (CCA), printed wiring boards (PWB), and electronics inspection
• Mechanical and electro-mechanical assemblies
  • Familiarity with:
  • Battery systems, electrochemical processes, or energetics-related manufacturing environments
  • Process validation and control in regulated manufacturing environments
  • Environmental controls (e.g., ESD, humidity-controlled areas, clean or controlled spaces)
  • Lot traceability, serialization, and configuration control
  • Performance and functional testing requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)
• 10 years of experience in quality engineering within aerospace, defense, or a highly regulated manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience with:
  • Source inspection(s) for various commodites 
  • AS9102 First Article Inspection
  • Process audits and QMS audits
  • Expediting and supplier performance management
  • Shipping and receiving inspection processes
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 or equivalent QMS standards
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications
• Proficiency with ERP systems and web-based quality/data management tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently

IPC Certification / Electronics Requirements

• Working knowledge of IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, etc.) is required
• Current IPC certification is preferred; however, candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain active IPC certifications as required

Desired Skills & Attributes

• Self-starter with a high level of initiative and accountability
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience working with distributed teams and supplier networks
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-visibility customer environments
• Certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Auditor (CQA) are a plus

Work Environment & Expectations

• Frequent interaction with suppliers and customers, including potential travel to local or regional suppliers to support inspections and audits
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

High level of professionalism in representing the organization to external partner